10 of the biggest beauty trends of 2023, so far

A new year calls for new trends, and it appears that we’ve already got plenty to keep our short attention spans occupied. Last year saw the rise of bleached brows, siren and doe eyes, and many more—so what will this year have in store when it comes to makeup, skincare, hair and other beauty hacks?

Below, Bazaar rounds up the biggest beauty trends on the rise in 2023—so far.

1. Curve Bangs 

Following last year’s “curve cut” craze (a softer version of the iconic 'The Rachel' cut), “curve bangs” have emerged as the internet’s favourite new hair trend. A combination of the curve cut and equally-beloved curtain bangs, the sweeping fringe look curves in towards the face, cupping the jaw and chin for a perfect face frame. Already, the stunning chop is being picked up by the A-list, having been spotted on Kim Kardashian and Camila Morrone.

2. Tooth Gems 

If you were the kind of person who, in early high school, thought having braces was actually really cool, then you’re going to love the internet’s favourite new beauty trend.
Both on home shores and overseas, teeth decor has been on the rise; specifically, Tooth Gems. If you’re after a touch of sparkle to enhance your pearly whites, why not add a diamanté, star or cherry to your smile? Typically applied via a dental alloy, the gems last around 6-12 months. Though do note, they should be removed during a trip to the dentist.

3. Hot glue gun eyes 

Hot glue guns (yes, really) are TikToks newest must-have beauty tool. Typically reserved for makeshift shoe fixes (don’t lie, we’ve all been there) and art projects, TikTok beauty gurus have found an enchanting new use for the crafting staple. Recently, users have been taking to the app to show off creative, 3D eye makeup looks, created using hot glue and pigment. Essentially, the process is as follows: First, use your hot glue gun to create shapes on a heat-proof mat or baking paper. Once the glue has dried, hardened and cooled down, use chrome powder or a pigment to paint over your creation. 

4. Indie Sleaze Waves 

The indie sleaze revival is well and truly upon us! And while we will be leaving neon leggings and fingerless gloves in 2009, one part of the trend we can get behind is ‘indie sleaze waves’. As seen across the runways and social media—or on the heads of the Olsen twins during every outing throughout the past decade—we are turning away from the high-effort blowouts of the early 2020s and toward messy, undone and, at times, even greasy waves. They’re oh-so-simple to achieve at home: Just use a straightener or curling wand to add some whispy waves, add some sea salt spray, and use your hands to create a touseled look.

5. Mewing 

One of this year’s first beauty trends have to be one of the most bizarre. “Mewing” has picked up billions of views on TikTok, where people have posted tutorials demonstrating how by pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth, one can temporarily achieve a more defined jawline. Sure, the “hack” seems to work temporarily for a quick selfie, but we’re hesitant to promote this one seeing as it’s not quite practical to maintain all day—and there’s nothing wrong with having a regular, un-snatched jawline, too.

6. Bobs and lobs 

When Hailey Bieber revealed that she’d gotten the chop and transformed her hair into a chic, blunt bob (or a lob, AKA a long bob), it was as though the internet collectively gasped. She later revealed that she’s channelling Gwyneth Paltrow’s Margot Tenenbaum, from The Royal Tenenbaums, with the new look. Given how quickly anything Bieber touches turns to gold (remember glazed donut skin?), we’re expecting to see a lot of bobs on the horizon this year.

7. Lip gloss nails 

Coined by J.Lo's go-to nail artist, Tom Bachik, lip gloss nails are a new spin on last year’s naked nails which evokes a sheer layer of gloss coating nude lips. To get the look, Bachik “custom mixed the perfect lip gloss colour just for Mrs Affleck”, ensuring a high gloss finish. In this instance, for a touch of extra glam, he added a glitter liner—but feel free to keep things minimal with just the glossy look.

8. Backwards makeup 

Consider this more of a rediscovery rather than a new trend—but backwards makeup is definitely having a moment.Tik Tok user Tara Sigari drew attention to the technique, which is used by makeup artist Mary Phillips on the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner for that sculpted yet natural look. Also previously championed by Wayne Goss, Scott Barnes and Kevin Aucoin, the technique involves starting with contour, then concealing, then blending the look together with a minimal amount of foundation—so you end up with a singular layer of makeup on your face, avoiding excessive cakiness.

9. Pasta Strainer Diffuser 

We’ll bet you didn’t predict “using a pasta strainer as a hair tool" for your 2023 beauty trend bingo card, but here we are. Millions of views have amassed on TikToks showing how with the use of a mesh pasta strainer, you can achieve the hair of your curly girl dreams. Yes, really. All you need to do is plop your wet hair, with any curl cream, mousse and heat protectant already worked through, upside down into a strainer and use your dryer on a low heat setting until your hair is dry. Voilà! Perfect curls, no expensive diffuser attachment needed (but perhaps a new strainer would be a good idea, for hygiene reasons).

10. Cloud Skin 

Over on TikTok, #cloudskin has over 7.6 million views—though it was originally popularised by MAC makeup artist Dominic Skinner. Think of it as an alternative to last year’s glass skin, which was all about achieving a glassy sheen—this time, you’ll aim for a lightly matte, soft focus effect that blurs the features for a dreamy, hazy look. To achieve this, start with a hydrating, but not-too-dewy primer, continuing with a sheer foundation or tint, minimal concealer, setting your base with a loose powder on your forehead, nose, chin and the hollows of your cheeks. Either skip highlighter, or go in with a low-shimmer one lightly applied to the upper cheekbones, and apply a sheer cream blush to the cheeks. Remember to use a light hand through it all, for that airy, cloud-like look.

Story also written by Dani Maher

This piece originally appeared in Harper's Bazaar Australia.